Abstract

Seven species of snow trout (Schizothorax spp.), endemic to Indian Himalayas, were taken up for exploring their protein content, dietary protein contribution potential, amino acid composition and amino acid score. Protein contents in all the seven species were in the order of S. labiatus > S. plagiostomus > S. progastus > S. esocinus > S. curvifrons > S. richardsonii > S. niger. Statistically, S. labiatus was found to be significantly superior (p < 0.05) to S. progastus, S. esocinus, S. curvifrons, S. richardsonii and S. niger with respect to protein content. Correspondingly, the dietary protein contribution potential to pre-school children (2–6 years old) was found to be highest in S. labiatus. Out of the seventeen detected amino acids, alanine was abundant in S. curvifrons, S. esocinus, S. niger, and S. plagiostomus, and leucine in S. labiatus, S. progastus and S. richardsonii. Among the essential amino acids, leucine followed by phenylalanine was the most abundant amino acid in all the fishes. The amino acid score values of leucine, isoleucine and lysine for pre-school children were found to be highest in S. labiatus. Overall, S. labiatus showed distinctly protein concentration, dietary protein contribution potential and amino acid score especially for leucine, isoleucine and lysine.

Keywords

Snow trout Protein Amino acid Dietary significance

All authors contributed equally to this work.

Significance statement

This is the first documentation of amino acid compositions of seven different species of snow trout (Schizothorax spp.), which are the preferred food fishes for their palatability and nutritional value. This information is valuable to local mass who consume these fishes, nutritional scientists and nutritionists to formulate a dietary guideline.

Notes

Acknowledgements

This research work was carried out as a part of PhD dissertation of the first author under outreach project of ICAR-DCFR, Bhimtal. The authors are grateful to Director, ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-DCFR), Bhimtal for his valuable guidance to carry out the studies.